Frame quality control and testing standards

Every Valdora frame must meet stiffness, alignment, finish standards, etc.  They are tested prior to receiving art work and paint.  Stiffness, alignment are only a couple of the points inspected.

The Carbon PHX time trial/triathlon frame earning the highest fatigue certification from the worlds most respected independent testing laboratories, Germany’s EFBe Pruflechnik. The ‘’Top Performance’’ certificate (the highest possible standard in the cycle category) was not just for the ‘’out of saddle bottom bracket test’’ that other manufacturer’s frames are awarded but also for the most difficult three-part fatigue ‘’Full Test’’ which includes the added ‘’seat tube load’’ and ‘’head tube load’’ tests.

In terms of quality the difference between the Valdora PHX carbon tt/tri frame and other manufacturers frames is the higher grade of materials used. Weighing 1300 g or less its made with higher grade (stiffer/stronger/lighter), more expensive materials. The PHX also comes with a full carbon 380 gram aero fork compared to most others which come with a fork with alloy crown and steerer weighing 500 g +.

Pricing

Valdora PHX is extremely competitively priced.  Generally speaking, many frames that cost the same or less than the PHX are made with lower grade material and weigh at least 1500 grams (250 g more than the PHX ) which allows them to meet an acceptable strength and stiffness requirement.  The fork delivered with these frames will likely be 550 g+ also (almost another 200 g more than the PHX fork).  Unlike the PHX, they are open model frames which means the companies distributing them have not invested in the design nor have they invested in the moulds.  Investing in R&D, design and moulds is expensive.  You will not see a Valdora PHX frame or the SR-1.0 aero bar marketed under any other brand.

Carbon used for the PHX frames

Several different types and grades are used. In general – the brand and spec used by many brands really doesn’t give you any information.  There are only a hand full of carbon makers who make the actual carbon ‘thread’.  Some bicycle manufactures claim to make their own carbon but that’s not exactly accurate.  They actually make their own prepreg which is the carbon thread or fabric impregnated with the resins

Where Valdora carbon frames are made.

Valdora frames are manufactured in Asia. Nearly every moulded carbon frame distributed around the world is made in Asia.  Cervelo, Felt, Isaac, Kuota, Scott, Specialized, Valdora, etc.   Many European frames marked made in France, Italy, etc… are also made in China or Taiwan.  Many Italian branded products are made in Asia but marked “made in Italy” because their government allows a much looser interpretation of “made”, upon export.

The PHX Time Trial / Triathlon frames are used for the standard PHX Road Bikes.  The head tube is tall enough and the seat tube angle is 76 degrees so it’s not difficult to hit 74 degrees with a set back post. The PHX-2 seat tube angle is 73-76 and 76-79 depending on which direction the seat post is inserted.

The NEW PHX-2 frame has effective seat tube angles of 72 – 80 degrees and all in between.

All Valdora PHX carbon frames come with a 5 year Warranty against manufacturing defects and/or workmanship.

NEW for 2010 are the Valdora PHX (Black / Green graphics), PHX-1(Pearl White) and PHX-2 (Black / Red Graphics). For more details, prices and ordering click here.